Five important facts about getting divorced in Florida

Divorce is a simple term that encompasses a multitude of different legal processes. While a divorce technically ends a marriage, it can also involve complicated negotiations surrounding child support, custody, alimony, and property division. When considering divorce proceedings, a Florida resident should be fully aware of the many important decisions and negotiations they will be involved in when they initiate the process.

A dedicated family law and divorce attorney is an excellent resource for a Lakeland resident who is planning to file for divorce. An individual who works in this field can provide their client with case-specific guidance, and readers are reminded that this post is informational and does not provide legal advice. The information contained herein may help readers understand the divorce process in Florida, but it should not be used as a substitute for case-specific counsel.

Fact #1: Florida is a no-fault divorce state

Florida residents do not have to plead a fault grounds to end their marriages. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, which means that individuals must only show that their marriages are irretrievably broken to have their legal relationships dissolved.

Fact #2: There are different dissolution processes

Florida laws call divorce a “dissolution of marriage”. Within those laws, there are different processes that individuals can use to end their marriages. The choice of which process to use will depend on factors related to the lives of the parties. For example, when there are no complicating factors between two parties who wish to end their marriage, they may be able to use a simplified process. Those that have children or who will be negotiating support issues, though, may have to use the more involved dissolution process to end their relationships.

Fact #3: Florida courts are for Florida residents

To get a divorce in Florida, the parties must meet certain residency requirements. This prevents out-of-state individuals from using the Florida courts to end their marriages. A divorce and family law lawyer can counsel their client on how these residency requirements may be met.

Fact #4: Florida is an equitable distribution state

Equitable distribution refers to the way that property is divided between two parties to a divorce or dissolution proceeding. An equitable distribution process looks at how to fairly divide the property that two people share during their marriage. It is important that readers